In 2022, India witnessed an 8.7% rise in child abuse cases, with the total number reaching a concerning 162,000 incidents, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Yet, for many survivors, the scars of childhood trauma last a lifetime, often going unnoticed.
Anupriya Das Singh, senior manager at Arpan NGO, has seen this firsthand. “Every child deserves a safe environment to grow up in. We work tirelessly to make that a reality by educating, empowering, and healing the lives of children affected by sexual abuse,” she says.
Arpan, one of India’s leading organisations working to address child sexual abuse (CSA), has been at the forefront of this critical issue for nearly two decades. Founded in 2007 by Pooja Taparia, the organisation has developed a comprehensive approach to prevention, education, and healing.
In 2003, Taparia had a moment that changed everything. “I watched the play named ‘30 Days in September’ and understood the lasting trauma that can be experienced by adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It was a wake-up call and I felt the urge to do something through my organisation to help. I wanted to focus on education and prevention to stop this abuse from happening in the first place,” she shares.
Arpan initially worked with underprivileged children, but after this realisation, its mission took a different direction. The organisation began focusing on CSA and its long-term impact, developing a structured approach that combines awareness, intervention, and support. Today, it continues to work towards preventing CSA and helping those affected, reaching children, parents, teachers, and communities across India with its holistic programmes.
Preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) through conversations
“We focus on providing Personal Safety Education (PSE), a school-based programme that educates children, parents, teachers, and the larger community about CSA and how to prevent it. This initiative teaches children from Classes 1 to 12 the skills required to recognise unsafe situations, report any abuse, and understand how to seek mental health support,” explains Anupriya.
“The programme extends beyond just the children, it includes the broader ecosystem around them like parents, teachers, school staff, and caregivers to ensure a complete support system for the child,” she adds. The goal is to provide children with the knowledge to say ‘no’ when they face unsafe situations and to know who to turn to for help.
Through the PSE programme, the organisation has trained over 1,50,000 children and over 1,15,000 adults, including parents and teachers. The curriculum developed by the organisation is adapted for various age groups, and it is implemented in schools ranging from government institutions to private schools, confirming that children from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to this knowledge.
Arpan also collaborates with government initiatives such as the School Health & Wellness Programme (SHWP) under Ayushman Bharat, helping to scale its efforts to rural and urban areas alike across India.
“Through education and advocacy, we are not just addressing the problem in a reactive way. We are proactively equipping the next generation with the tools they need to stay safe,” says the senior manager.
Overcoming stigma and raising awareness
One of the most notable problems the organisation encountered in its early years was the societal stigma surrounding child sexual abuse (CSA). “The sensitive nature of the topic often leads to avoidance and silence, making it difficult to raise awareness and initiate conversations within communities. We saw this as a hurdle, but it didn’t deter us from breaking the taboo surrounding CSA through awareness campaigns, educational resources, and open dialogue,” Anupriya adds.
Another challenge was building a team of trained professionals who could address the complexity of CSA. Initially, the organisation struggled to recruit and train counsellors and psychologists. Through consistent efforts and investment in human resources, it now has over 150 team members.
Funding also seemed to be a significant challenge, as many funding agencies tend to prioritise other causes like education or healthcare over child protection. “Our advocacy efforts aim to shift the mindset so that child protection is recognised as a fundamental need, which is equal in importance to other causes,” explains the senior manager.
Healing from child sexual abuse is a personal and complex journey, it unfolds gradually over time. The organisation’s healing process is rooted in a holistic and trauma-informed approach, recognising that survivors require not just psychological support they also need emotional, social, and physical healing.
“Our approach is all-encompassing,” explains Mansi Ashok Naik, a counsellor at Arpan. “We work with the survivors and also reach out to their families and communities, to promote a nurturing and supportive environment for long-term recovery.”
“We invest time to rebuild trust and resilience, helping survivors regain control over their lives and restore their sense of self-worth,” the counsellor continues. “Through evidence-based therapeutic interventions like trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), art-based therapy, and play therapy, we cater to the unique needs of each child. These methods give them tools to process their trauma in ways that feel safe, effective, and personalised.”
“We place a strong emphasis on survivor autonomy and dignity. Our strength-based approach ensures that survivors are taking charge of their healing process. While we offer guidance, we make sure they feel empowered to make choices that support their recovery every step of the way,” explains the counsellor.
The power of a holistic approach to trauma recovery
One of the most powerful ways to illustrate the impact of the organisation’s work is through the stories of the survivors. “There was a 17-year-old girl who sought help after experiencing sexual abuse. Having faced a tumultuous home life and bearing the emotional scars of domestic violence, she found herself struggling with guilt, anger, and feelings of helplessness after the abuse,” shares Mansi.
“However, by taking the step of seeking therapy, she was able to confront her trauma. Through the use of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), we helped her identify and challenge the distorted thoughts surrounding her abuse, allowing her to reframe her narrative. Over time, the young girl learnt to trust again, forgive herself, and recognise that the abuse was not her fault,” she adds.
This healing journey culminated in a joint session with her mother, where the girl disclosed the abuse. With the support of the team, the mother gained the courage to assist her daughter, and together, they filed a POCSO report against the abuser.
Anuj’s mother (name changed) shares her experience with the care her son received at Arpan, shelter home: “My son faced abuse, which affected his emotional well-being and left him struggling with anxiety. However, since joining the organisation, his overall well-being has been a stark improvement. He has become calmer and more composed, learning to manage his emotions better. His social skills have blossomed, and he now interacts with his peers with increased confidence and a stronger sense of teamwork.”
“With each counselling session, he has gradually become more self-reliant. In terms of academics, his focus and performance have significantly improved. He is also actively participating in extracurricular activities, developing new skills along the way. The personalised counselling sessions have played an essential role in his progress,” she adds, her voice filled with emotions.
The NGO has provided psycho-education and counselling to over 17,000 children and 3,600 families, creating a lasting effect that extends beyond the individuals directly involved.
Shilpa (name changed) shares her personal journey: “When I was 15, I went through a traumatic sexual abuse incident, and the flashbacks haunted me for years. It was a constant struggle, and the memories would disturb me terribly. One day, I decided to search for counselling online, and that’s when I found Arpan. I had no idea that making a single call could change everything, but that’s exactly what happened. They connected me with a counsellor, and I shared my entire story with her. At the time, I didn’t believe I could ever escape those painful flashbacks, but through the sessions, I found my way out of my traumatic thoughts.”
“The techniques my counsellor shared with me to overcome the trauma were extremely helpful. With her guidance, I have been able to face my past and heal in ways I never thought possible. Today, I feel so much better and genuinely happier than I did before,” she adds.
Mental support is just a call away
The organisation works closely with national and state governments, pushing for systematic changes that prioritise child sexual abuse prevention and intervention. Integrating PSE content into the educational curriculum and training government teachers ensures that the fight against child sexual abuse becomes ingrained in the fabric of Indian society.
As Pooja aptly states, “Change begins when we acknowledge the problem and take proactive steps to address it. We must create a supportive environment where children who have faced abuse feel safe to open up, knowing they will receive the help and care they deserve.”
To remove financial barriers, the organisation provides its counselling and support services free of charge and ensures confidentiality to protect the privacy of survivors.
It encourages individuals from vulnerable backgrounds to seek help without fear of stigma. Offering resources in local languages and dialects it makes information about personal safety and abuse prevention accessible to all. Those who need immediate support can contact the counsellors via the helpline number or the website.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury; All pictures courtesy Arpan NGO
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